Radio Veronica DJ Frank van der Lende traveled to Lebanon with Ernst Suur, director of War Child Netherlands, in the run-up to the (S)Top 520. During his morning show, Frank announced that he had just returned from an impressive trip to visit War Child projects in Tripoli, Beirut, Sidon, and the Bekaa Valley. There, they saw with their own eyes what the organization's work means for children growing up in a conflict zone.
Frank van der Lende: "We had an incredibly impressive trip. Worldwide, 520 million children are growing up in war, 800,000 of them in Lebanon. I had many special conversations with children and their parents. They keep going, they have to, and they are supported by War Child. As a father of young children, that touches me deeply. It motivates me even more to get as many listeners as possible to submit songs for the (S)Top 520."
The Radio Veronica DJ also has great admiration for the children's perseverance. Frank: “They have a very difficult life, but they persevere. Even when there seems to be no hope. Because it's not like they're just staying in a refugee camp for a while and then moving on. I spoke to Ibrahim, who has been living there for 10 years and is 11 years old. I felt positivity and hope everywhere. I came back this weekend and it's still on my mind. I dreamed about it all weekend.”
During the visit, Frank and Ernst spoke with children participating in sports and games, as well as with parents and aid workers who make a difference every day. For security reasons, it was decided to announce the trip only after it was over.
Lebanon is in a vulnerable situation due to ongoing regional unrest, a deep economic crisis, and the large-scale reception of refugees. Nearly 3 million people are in urgent need of assistance, including 1.7 million Lebanese, nearly 1 million Syrian refugees, as well as Palestinian refugees and other migrants. The lives of many children have been completely turned upside down. They are growing up in extreme poverty and insecurity, with major consequences for their mental well-being, both in the short and long term. War Child's teams and partners provide them and their families with essential mental support, education, and protection on a daily basis.
(S)Top 520
Last week, Radio Veronica announced that, in collaboration with War Child, it is launching a new chart to use the power of music to draw attention to the 520 million children growing up with the consequences of war. With the (S)Top 520, the radio station is working with its listeners to compile a list of 520 songs that give hope, strength, and positivity. Listeners can submit songs from March 2 to March 15. The (S)Top 520 will then be broadcast from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20 on Radio Veronica.
Frank van der Lende's contributions from Lebanon can be heard during the broadcasts of the (S)Top 520 on Radio Veronica.
